Acid reflux surgery in Orange County, CA also known as anti-reflux surgery or Nissen fundoplication is a procedure that revises the upper portion of the stomach to tighten the esophageal seal to prevent stomach acid and contents from leaking. Surgery is necessary for many patients suffering from acid reflux and GERD to put an end to symptoms. Although highly successful at alleviating symptoms, it does take some time for patients to recover from the procedure.
Acid reflux recovery time varies and is highly specific to the patient and the type of surgery involved. Open procedures require more recovery, self-care, and diligent wound care than minimally invasive surgeries like laparoscopic and robotic-assisted Nissen fundoplication.
Here are eight tips for acid reflux surgery in Orange County, CA patients to consider during their recovery.
- Boost your level of comfort while you recover
- Walk it off
- Maintain proper incision care
- Increase gradually to solids
- Stay away from gassy foods
- Eat easily digestible foods
- Sat hydrated
- Get plenty of rest
Boost your level of comfort while you recover
There are many ways you can boost your comfort level while you recover from acid reflux surgery. Prepare your home and inform your family and friends of your procedure and ask for help and support during your recovery. Stock up on foods, wound management supplies, prescription meds, and necessities to help your body heal and rejuvenate faster. Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your surgery and to stay with you to help with basic and daily tasks and provide additional support as needed.
Walk it off
After the first 24 hours home, it’s important for acid reflux patients to walk a bit each day to help regain strength and promote healing. Walking helps improve blood circulation and prevents healing impairments, pneumonia, constipation, blood clots, and complications.
Patients should walk at least twice a day at a steady and comfortable pace either inside their home or outdoors. Brisk and long walks are to be avoided. Each day, it’s important to walk longer than the day before to help increase stamina and strength. Walking is also very beneficial at alleviating the leftover surgical gas and bloating.
Maintain proper incision care
It’s critical to practice proper wound management to prevent infection, complications, and healing impairments. Patients should monitor their wounds and follow the surgical incision care guidelines they received from the surgeon prior to discharge home. These instructions include guidance on the type of bandages to use, bathing/showering considerations, and best practices to clean and keep the wound infection free.
During the first few days, there will be some light-colored drainage from the incisions. This is normal. As the days pass, the seepage should become lighter and disappear. It’s important to watch the wound site for signs of infection: itching, an increase in pain, white, yellowish, or greenish pus, the skin feels warm to touch or becomes red and inflamed and to contact the surgeon immediately if they appear.
Some swelling and bruising are also common and gradually go away as recovery progresses. Avoid wearing tight clothing that rubs and irritates the incisions. Wear sunscreen as needed. Keep the incisions dry at all times unless instructed otherwise by Dr. Abtin Khosravi, MD.
Taking proper care of your acid reflux surgery incisions is essential to protecting the scar tissue, skin, and surgical site.
Increase gradually to solids
Acid reflux surgery in Orange County, CA is minimally invasive, but the medications administered during the procedure, post-operative pain medications and the trauma of the procedure are disruptive to the digestive system and colon. As a result, patients should start off with liquid and soft foods before gradually working their way up to solids to avoid bloating and indigestion.
Avoid large meals and eat small ones several times a day. Reintroduce solids gradually and chew thoroughly to prevent discomfort when swallowing. It’s important for patients to have patience and make good dietary choices as they work their way back to eating solid foods.
Stay away from gassy foods
Gas, belching, and bloating are common after acid reflux surgery. To alleviate the discomfort and help trapped gas escape quickly from the body, it’s a good idea to avoid carbonated drinks and gassy foods, such as broccoli, beans, onions, cabbage, milk, oatmeal, and eggs. Because foods affect everyone differently, gas and bloating can be managed with simethicone or antacids. Do not take antacids and simethicone medications without approval from the surgeon.
Eat easily digestible foods
Large meals are not ideal. Instead, eat small, easy to swallow meals that are easy to digest. Soft purees, puddings, soups, bananas, and yogurt are easy on the stomach and well tolerated by most. As you become more comfortable with eating larger meals, continue to make good dietary choices and to eat as directed to allow your esophagus, digestive tract, and abdominal muscles to heal, avoid swallowing discomfort, and protect your digestive system.
Stay hydrated
Proper hydration helps improve circulation, prevent constipation, and helps alleviate hunger until you can comfortably consume normal meals.
Get plenty of rest
Rest is a critical aspect of the recovery process for acid reflux patients. It’s important to rest up as much as possible, especially during the first day or two home. Listen to your body and plan your activities carefully. It’s important to avoid overexertion as you heal from Nissen fundoplication. Adhere to any activity restrictions and follow all recovery guidelines to ensure your energy levels return swiftly.
Learn More About Acid Reflux Surgery in Orange County, CA
Acid reflux surgery is a safe procedure that effectively alleviates acid reflux symptoms. It’s important for patients to take measures to enable them to recuperate quickly. By preparing their home, support system, staying active, maintaining a good diet, and resting properly, patients can enjoy swift recoveries and optimal outcomes.
To learn more about acid reflux surgery in Orange County, CA, contact Orange County Robotic General Surgery today! (714) 541-4996
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To find out if inguinal hernia repair surgery is right for you, Contact Orange County General Robotic Surgery at (714) 706-1257 for a consultation with Dr. Abtin H. Khosravi.
